The biopic starring Chadwick Boseman tells the story of legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson. ‘42’ is a sports film that not just sports fans will enjoy. The film is an all-around terrific portrayal of the ‘Jackie Robinson Story’; of the ups and downs of his first season and being the first black in Major League Baseball. There are scenes that make you cheer and others that will make you tear up, even the scenes that do neither are still outstanding.
The movie starts out with Branch Rickey, played by Harrison Ford, mentioning he is going to bring a black ballplayer to the game. The portrayal of Robinson, played by Boseman, shows that he is in it with the rises and falls it takes to be the only black man in the game of baseball. His major league debut on Apr. 15, 1947, wearing number 42, is jolting for being so basic.
A man walks onto a field with other men; he’s followed by cameras and curses from the audience. ‘42’ shows the reality of being the first colored man in a time of racism and stereotypes. Boseman’s portrayal as Robinson gives the ballplayer the respect and shows him as a hardworking player who is willing to what it takes to earn the respect of the other players and the media.
‘42’ is an inspiring story about the struggles of one to achieve great things. The film brings on a nostalgia of when baseball was the top sport, but it has since been overshadowed by bigger things.
‘42’ portrays baseball as America’s favorite pastime, and it was true in the 40’s; it was the favorite pastime. Baseball was the most popular sport, of the time, and it was a big deal, a black man coming into the game.The portrayal of the characters by the actors was just beyond words for how great it was.
Overall, ‘42’ is an outstanding movie that everyone can enjoy, this is not just a movie about sports, but a movie about the struggles of the time. The direction was done very well, the angles used were creative and not boring, and the cast was a truly great cast for the story.
